Postdoctoral Associate

Be You.

The Lan Lab is dedicated to researching how cancer cells respond to DNA damage through DNA repair mechanisms and developing innovative strategies to target these pathways in cancer therapy. Our significant contributions include uncovering the critical role of PARP in DNA repair, leading to successful applications of PARP inhibitors in the treatment of breast, ovarian, and other types of cancer. We study how DNA responds to oxidative damage at specific chromosomal locations, significantly advancing our understanding of DNA damage response in different chromosomal environments. Furthermore, our recent investigations have revealed a novel mRNA and R-loop-dependent DNA repair pathway that acts as a protective mechanism for the transcribed regions of the genome, introducing a new paradigm in the field of DNA repair research.

Be Bold.

Position Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to study the role of R-loops in genome instability and cancer, with a focus on transcription-associated DNA damage and RNA-mediated repair pathways. The candidate will investigate how R-loop formation and resolution shape cellular responses to DNA damage and contribute to tumorigenesis. A key aspect of this work is to define how R-loop repair activates cGAS–STING–mediated innate immunity, and how this signaling extends to adaptive immune responses and cell–cell interactions within the tumor microenvironment, including crosstalk among cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. This project integrates mechanistic biology with translational approaches to uncover novel therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancer.

Min Degree Requirements:  Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g. Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.).  The term of this appointment is limited (5 years with a possible extension for an additional year)

• The appointment involves substantially full-time research.
• The appointee works under the supervision of a scholar or a department at Duke University.
• The appointee is expected to publish the results of his or her research during the period of the appointment.

Choose Duke.

Join our award-winning team as identified by Forbes magazine as America’s Best Large Employer 2024 and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery. As an organization, we have exciting opportunities to be forward-thinking leaders in our field. We want talented individuals to join us, examine our current operations, and create innovative solutions that will revolutionize and enhance the way we approach our work.

Duke University is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide and is renowned for its cutting-edge research across disciplines.

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from Duke's competitive benefits package including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more.

Diversity Statements:

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

The Department of Population Health Sciences aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, equity, and inclusivity of others without biases or prejudice of any kind. Our collective success depends on a robust exchange of ideas - an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, we are committed to diversity in the staff and faculty we hire, the policies we create, and the decisions we make. In addition, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

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